Profile

Climate and Environment

Lethbridge and area has a semi-arid climate with an average maximum temperature of 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) and an average minimum temperature of −1.1 °C (30.0 °F). With precipitation averaging 365 – 386 mm (14.4 - 15.2 in), and 264 dry days on average, Lethbridge region is the eleventh driest in Canada and relies heavily on irrigation to support local agriculture. Mean relative humidity hovers between 69–78% in the morning throughout the year, but afternoon mean relative humidity is more uneven, ranging from 38% in August to 58% in January. On average, the Lethbridge region has 116 days with wind speed of 40 km/h (24.9 mph) or higher, ranking it as the second highest in Canada for such weather.

Its high elevation of 929 metres (3,048 feet) and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides Lethbridge with cooler summers than other locations in the Canadian Prairies. These factors protect the city from strong northwest and southwest winds and contribute to frequent chinook winds during the winter. Lethbridge winters have the highest temperatures in the prairies, reducing the severity and duration of winter cold periods and resulting in fewer days with snow cover. The average daytime temperature peaks by the end of July/beginning of August, when it reaches 26.4 °C (79.5 °F). The city's temperature reaches a maximum high of 35 °C (95 °F) or greater on average once or twice a year.

This graphic shows Environment Canada’s – Canadian Weather Winners of 100 Canadian Cities